With a new year, comes new beginnings—and of course new music. Aspiring budding artists will be tested to “make it or break it” and some not-so-new artist will be aiming to finally reach their musical peak. Far from amateur and a stretch from legendary, these five artists are sure to make 2014 a promising year for R&B. Here is what our musical inclinations reveal.
Eric Bellinger
If you don’t know, now you know. The name Eric Bellinger may or may not ring a “bell” in your musical registry, but you have definitely experienced the raw and authentic talent of this rare breed California native. Penning over 60 placements with hits like Usher “Lemme See,” Chris Brown “Fine China,” Brandy “Without You” and Jennifer Hudson “Think Like a Man,” Bellinger has already made a pretty impressive resume. Taking the back door into music and working his way to the top, the crooner has positioned himself as a hot force to be reckoned with.
Bellinger caught the ears of listeners with his three-volume “Born II Sing” mixtapes engraving a name for himself and building a loyal fan base. Displaying a refreshing, unique voice and natural skill abilities that haven’t been heard since the Usher’s of the world, Bellinger proved that he can progressively move the sound of R&B. Hearing his catchy, creative—yet succinct—lyrics and innovative relatable concepts has us excited for what’s to come. Feeding our excitement, Bellinger released his debut studio album (“The Rebirth”) earlier this month pioneering the new wave of R&B music.
Sevyn Streeter
Seventh heaven—is just what you’ll experience when listening to the sounds of the sweet and innocent Ms. Streeter. Call her crazy, but…she “won’t stop” until she reaches her destined success. Already established as former member of groups TG4 and Richgirl and noted songwriter to stellar artists—Alicia Keys (“A New Day”), Trey Songz (“Without a Woman”), Kelly Rowland (“Gone”), Tamar Braxton (“All the Way Home”) and Chris Brown (“Yeah 3x,” “Wet the Bed,” “Fine China”)—Streeter has already 13 years in the industry, but she’s just getting started.
What keeps this Florida native on the Rated RnB Radar for 2014 is her creative energy and 90s-inspired style. Her music possesses a vibe that hasn’t been felt in R&B for quite some time and after the release of Streeter’s EP “Call me Crazy, But…” we knew that void would soon be filled. With the success of a No. 1 debut single, “It Won’t Stop,” and another potential hit on the horizon, “nEXt,” the Aaliyah-esque singer has us itching to hear a debut album.
August Alsina
Bad boy of R&B August Alsina has paved a new rugged lane in R&B culture. Not many R&B songs with rap-content lyrics make it to the frontline, but Alsina amends that unwritten rule. Bringing the New Orleans streets from its rap comfort zone of Lil’ Wayne, Master P and Juvenile, Alsina introduces the Louisiana city to the realms of R&B. Spearheading what may be a new taste of hip-hop and R&B, the Def Jam signee showed us that he “Luvs This Sh**” in January 2013 after the release of multiple mixtapes and his EP “Downtown: Life Under the Gun.”
Providing us with stability in 2014 and generating a strong buzz, the 21-year-old kicks off the new year with his lead single “Make it Home” from his debut album “Testimony” slated for April 15. What makes Alsina a top contender in the new pool of budding artists is owning his story, struggle and background and is not being afraid to transparently show it.
Jhene Aiko
At just 25 years old, this Californian has racked up over 10 years in the music industry. So what makes her relevant now? Well, two reasons. With Aiko’s raw—yet unrecognized—talent, she has yet to touch the tip of her musical peak. Secondly, she has repositioned and reinvented herself in a market close to rapper Drake and has seemed to found a musical fit. Aiko’s features on Drake’s “Nothing Was the Same” album and touring on his “Would You Like a Tour” in 2013, the L.A. native is set up for a recipe of success in 2014.
After such a strong ending to last year including the release of her debut EP (“Sail Out”) reaching No. 2 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Chart and No. 2 on the Billboard 200, Aiko can only rise higher. The Artium/Def Jam signee has tucked away her past musical clutter and has finally positioned herself to be seen and not ignored. With the release of her forthcoming debut LP “Souled Out,” we look forward to hearing more of the signature nonchalant talk-singing from this blossoming artist.
JoJo
“Too Little, Too Late” doesn’t apply when it comes to singer JoJo. The singer steps in 2014 triumphantly leaving the exhausting multi-year battle with Blackground Records behind. After a long 10 years since her debut self-titled album spawning out mainstream hits like “Leave (Get Out)” and “Baby It’s You,” the 23-year-old singer signs on to Atlantic Records ready to emerge into the full-potential artist who was poised for stardom a decade ago.
Now older, wiser and evolved with a fresh canvas to paint on, Joanna Levesque has the chance coupled with the ambition to take her career to new heights this year. Following a stall in her career of seven years, you can bet that all the repressed creative energy in the Massachusetts-bred songstress will explode into sassy massive mainstream hits.
